LAS VEGAS—Alex Meruelo acquired ownership of SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, naming Paul Hobson as the property’s new SVP and general manager.
Meruelo is a U.S. Latino entrepreneur who began building his business empire in Southern California. In 1986, he founded The Meruelo Group, a privately held management company that serves a diversified portfolio of 35-plus affiliates across seven industries, including banking and financial services; construction; hospitality & gaming; media; food services; real estate management and development; and private equity investing.
Meruelo adds SLS Las Vegas, a 1,616-room, three-tower resort-casino, including the W Las Vegas, to a gaming and hospitality portfolio that includes Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV. The acquisition of the SLS Las Vegas marks the first-ever privately held affiliation of large resort properties in both Reno and Las Vegas, according to the company.
Hobson was most recently general manager of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. He joined Stratosphere in early 2011 from sister property, Aquarius Casino Resort, where he also held the title of general manager. Previously, Hobson has held senior management positions with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Affinity Gaming.